As ACA turns four, national survey finds most people disapprove of the law

On the fourth anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, most people still don't like the law. What they want to see happen, however, has changed, according to a recent survey.

A national survey of 3,355 adults conducted by the Pew Research group from Feb. 26 to March 16 found that 53 percent of the country disapproves of the law (while 41 percent approve). Those numbers are essentially the same as they were last September, before the massive push to get people signed up began.

The only difference is what those polled want to see happen. Thirty percent of those survey said they want politicians to "make the law work as well as possible" while only 19 percent said they wanted politicians "make it fail." Those numbers (which include only those opposed to the law) are up from a 27-23 split in September.

Other numbers may be more surprising. Segments of the population many figure would massively support the law do not.

Of those making $30,000 a year or less, more disapprove than approve of the law, 47-45.

Of those with a high school diploma or less, more disapprove of the law than approve, 57-36.

The Affordable Care Act was signed into law on March 23, 2010—it turned 4 on Sunday. It continues to be one of the more controversial laws in our nation's history. And it's still viewed mainly on party lines.

Republicans disapprove of the law by a 89-8 margin; Democrats favor it 72-21. Independents disapprove of it, 59-37.

A look at more numbers:

BY GENDER

Men: Disapprove, 57-33 Women: Disapprove, 50-44

BY RACE

White: Disapprove, 62-33 Black: Approve, 77-18 Hispanic: Even, 47-47

BY INCOME

Less than $30K: Disapprove, 47-45 $30K-$75K: Disapprove, 56-40 More than $75K: Disapprove, 57-41